Ionization Chamber Voltage Contact Point for Mass Spectrometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of switching between spray units for ESI and APCI, or for maintenance, in liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to connect and disconnect connectors, which complicates the operation and maintenance of the ionization chamber.

Innovation Solution

The ionization chamber is designed with a protruding voltage contact point on the ionization chamber side and a recessed voltage contact point on the mass spectrometric unit side, allowing for automatic connection and disconnection based on the chamber's position, with a predetermined gap to accommodate positional misalignment, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors are used to connect the spray unit and high voltage power supply, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the operation and maintenance process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation and maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical positioning function by integrating the contact point structure into the ionization chamber assembly. The protruding contact point on the ionization chamber automatically engages with the recessed contact point on the housing, combining electrical connectivity with the chamber's positional state, thereby eliminating separate connector operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ionization chamber assembly performs self-connection and self-disconnection of electrical contacts through its own movement. When the ionization chamber is installed or removed, the protruding contact point automatically engages or disengages with the recessed contact point without requiring external connector manipulation, enabling the system to service its own electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple connectors and complex connection mechanisms are used, then reliable power supply connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential electrical connection function from the complex connector assembly and implements it through simple protruding and recessed contact points. By taking out only the necessary contact elements and eliminating unnecessary connector components, the design achieves reliable power supply connection with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a traditional approach where the power supply connector actively engages with the ionization chamber, the patent inverts the design by having the ionization chamber assembly contain the active protruding contact point that engages with the recessed contact point on the housing. This inversion simplifies the overall connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If tight tolerances are used for contact point alignment, then precise electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact point alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the contact point interaction with a predetermined gap between the protruding contact point and the inner periphery of the recessed contact point. This gap acts as a cushion that absorbs alignment variations and positional misalignments during assembly, ensuring reliable electrical connection without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact points by designing the protruding contact point with dimensions that are smaller than the recessed contact point's inner periphery, creating a deliberate gap. This parameter change allows for flexible assembly and reduces the stringency of alignment requirements while maintaining effective electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8927929B1Mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

An ionization chamber side voltage contact point is formed so as to protrude from the compartment in the ionization chamber, a mass spectrometric unit side voltage contact point 92 is formed in the hole created in the housing of the mass spectrometric unit, and a predetermined distance is provided between the inner periphery of the hole and the outer periphery of the mass spectrometric unit side voltage contact point in the structure, which allows the ionization chamber side voltage contact point to be inserted into the hole so to be connected to the mass spectrometric unit side voltage contact point when the ionization chamber is in the analysis position and allows the ionization chamber side voltage contact point to be pulled out from the hole so as to be disconnected from the mass spectrometric unit side voltage contact point the ionization chamber is in the maintenance position.